KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA) has urged the government to promptly enter sectoral tariff negotiations with the United States (US) following Washington’s decision to raise import duties on rubber gloves to 25 per cent from Aug 1, 2025.
MARGMA president Oon Kim Hung said members were ready to support the government’s efforts in engaging with the US to seek an exemption or, at minimum, maintain the existing 10 per cent tariff.
"These gloves are not luxury items but essential medical supplies. A 25 per cent tariff will disrupt supply chains, drive up healthcare costs, and hinder patient safety,” he said in a statement today.
The association said Malaysia’s glove industry has long collaborated with the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to curb trans-shipment abuse and maintain its reputation for quality and responsible manufacturing.
MARGMA called on Malaysia’s trade negotiators to seek the same sector-specific consideration granted to other strategic industries, to ensure continued access for US healthcare providers to Malaysian-made gloves.
It noted that Malaysia supplies nearly half of the US demand for natural rubber and nitrile gloves - critical healthcare products subject to strict US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards.
With US demand projected by MITI to reach US$4.17 billion by 2030, MARGMA warned that higher tariffs could threaten patient care and drive up costs for hospitals and other healthcare providers.(US$1 = RM4.24).
"Rather than undermining US manufacturing, Malaysian glove makers have demonstrated their commitment to the American market. For example, Supermax Corporation Bhd
has invested US$350 million in a production facility in Texas, highlighting our industry’s long-term dedication to supporting US healthcare,” Oon said.
He added that MARGMA reaffirmed its commitment to a sustainable global supply and expressed hope for a tariff outcome that balanced fair trade with public health priorities in both countries. - Bernama
